Despite having been atop the 2022 World Cup Group D standings for some time, Didier Deschamps' France side had registered a worrying five consecutive draws in their last five matches, but a sparkling attacking display at the Groupama Stadium in Lyon - notably from Griezmann and Karim Benzema - changed all that.

With Ligue 1 Uber Eats stars Presnel Kimpembe (PSG) and Léo Dubois (OL) in the starting line-up - but superstar Kylian Mbappé (PSG) out injured along with a raft of other names - France looked much more dangerous in a new-look 3-4-1-2 formation that featured Griezmann in the role of playmaker.

'We may have found a system that suits us'

It was, however, the Atlético Madrid man's finishing won the day, 'Grizou' lashing home  a Benzema pass with the outside of his left boot (25') before switching to a far-post finish - from the tightest of angles - as he completed his double after being teed up by Dubois.

"I am very happy with my performance and that of the team. We wanted to show that we were solid and that we hadn't lost anything. We have to maintain this state of mind, this desire to give everything on the pitch, to win all the challenges and to try to do the damage up front like we did tonight," said the man who made a solid return to form, combining beautifully with Benzema all evening in Deschamps' re-jigged set-up. "We may have found a system that suits us better, it's the coach who will decide. We were strong and we won in style."

Historic

Griezmann's double wasn't just welcome, it was in fact momentous, as it took the 30-year-old level with France legend Michel Platini on the country's all-time goal scoring list.

"It's a huge source of pride," Griezmann said after his star turn, which leaves him behind only Olivier Giroud (46 goals) and Thierry Henry (51). "I've been here since 2014 and I always try to bring the best."

Les Bleus' next outing comes next month at the inaugural UEFA Nations League Final4, where they are slated to take on Belgium in the second semi-final on Thursday, 7 October.